Sit back and think how many hands have held that money you have received in the past few weeks before you. During this COVID-19 pandemic one of the biggest recommendations is to avoid using cash. Going cashless is the way to go.
Several telecom companies have come out to zero rate their transaction charges on-net (transactions among networks). However its would be good for telecoms to agree to do the same for off-net transactions. This means one should not be charged when they are sending money from MTN Mobile Money to Airtel Money. But, that is a story for another day.
Here are the 6 recommended ways one can make a safe payment during the COVID-19 crisis in Uganda;
1. e-Payment Gateway
This is a secure, fast and easy way for online payments. The National Information Technology Authority (NITA- Uganda) has enabled online payments for all public services.
2. MTN Mobile Money
MTN recently zero-rated their transactions, the service provides you a mode of cashless transactions. You can buy goods, pay salaries and transfer to bank, all you need to do is to dial *165# or download the MTNMoMo App on the Play Store.
3. Airtel Mobile Money
Just like MTN’s cashless solution, you can do online recharge, pay your bills, and make money transfers and bank wallet. You can also use the My Airtel App.
4. VISA and online payments
VISA is the world’s second largest card payment organisation. But in Uganda, its a the most popular cashless payment service that banks offer. When you open up a bank accounts chances are high that you get a VISA card along with it. You can use this card to pay for goods at supermarkets, fuel your car, etc. Ask your bank for a VISA card.
5. USSD self-service
For your phone irrespective whether its a smartphone or a feature phone–from anywhere buyers a sellers should be able to embrace USSD to avoid cash transactions. For MTN and Airtel you can use *165# and if you have an Africell number you can use *144#.
6. MasterCard
Just like VISA, Mastercard helps you do all transactions. It is very easy, secure and fast. Be aware of transaction charges in case you get tempted to withdraw any money from an ATM, otherwise it can also be used for online payments as it gains more traction in Uganda.
